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Boarding the Empire Builder in Minneapolis

We're flying to Minneapolis next month to take Amtrak's Empire Builder to Glacier National Park. The plane arrives around 3:30 P.M., and the train departs at 11:15 P.M. We'd like to see a little of Minneapolis and get a nice meal before we board the train. What are the logistics involved with this, especially considering that we'll have luggage with us? Should we go to the train station first to store luggage (do they have storage facilities?), how do we get there from the airport, how do we get downtown from the train station, what should we see in our very brief visit, where should we eat dinner (we'll be casually but neatly dressed), etc.? Much obliged for any information and suggestions.

I can't help with all your questions. But keep in mind that the Amtrak station is actually in St Paul, not Minneapolis. It's called Midway station because it's half way between the downtown areas of both cities so there's not much in the immediate area (as I recall). It's about 6 mi from MSP (the airport), so a cab would be the best way. Light rail will take you from the airport to downtown Minneapolis if you prefer, then can take cab from there.

I don't know about on site luggage but a call or check online with Amtrak should answer that question.

I think Dayenu touched on the best solution. Rent a cheap car for that time frame - gives you a place to store your luggage and an easy way to get around town instead of relying on cabs, light rail and storage lockers. Spend the time in St. Paul or Minneapolis, at the end of the day drop everyone and your luggage off at the train station and then return the car to the airport (by yourself).

Cab fares are a bit ridiculous IMO. It would cost me $25-30 to get from the airport to my house in south Minneapolis. Add up 2-3 cab fares with multiple passengers (and at least one of those involving luggage) and renting a car + paying for one cab ride is going to be cheaper and easier.

As for what you should see in your short time, that depends on what you enjoy. There are several good museums, lots of good restaurants, time to walk around the lakes near uptown, shopping, historic neighborhoods - times 2 (Minneapolis and St. Paul).

unfortunately, no such thing as cheap car rentals from MSP airport (MN taxes & airport fees almost double daily rate!), and you still have the logistics of getting back to Amtrack from Airport. The station is on a main bus line to both downtown Mpls & St. Paul, so try to go directly there, check bags, the go either east or west & have catch a museum or have a good dinner for a few hours!

I don't have any answers regarding Minneapolis but I just wanted to wish you a great ride (and know I'm a bit envious)... While there's a lot of plains, there were two places I found truly spectacular during that portion of the journey: the trestle bridge around Minot, ND and the approach into East Glacier, Montana; get a seat in the lounge car for these if you can. It's true what the others say; while the Empire Builder has a better on-time record than many long-distance Amtrak routes, don't be surprised if it is late.

With regard to Dayenu's comment, the train station I think would for sure be open (even though its official hours are 6am-midnight) as it was until at least 1 am when I took the Empire Builder when it left 2 1/2 hours late. (When I went, there was terrible flooding in Wisconsin at the time and passengers were bussed in from Chicago via alternate routes, so Amtrak I thought did quite well under not-easy circumstances). The Empire Builder is the only train passing through MSP so is its main raison d'etre; that means if you're waiting for the train, the station will be open.

Dick posted this thread in July 09 and was going to take his trip the following month so this thread is quite old. He didn't post back which often happens sadly as posting back regarding the OP experiences would be helpful.